01st January 2025 18:18:46 Hours
Troops at the Army Headquarters in Sri Jayawardenepura welcomed the first working day of the New Year 2025 with a simple yet meaningful ceremony.
The event began with the arrival of Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP psc IG, Commander of the Army, to the Headquarters premises as the Chief Guest. The Commander along with Major General W.P.A.D.W Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff, hoisted the National flag and the Army flag.
The ceremony included the recital of the National Anthem and the Army Song, followed by a two-minute silence to honour Fallen War Heroes. Major General K.A.W.N.H Bandaranayake USP, the Adjutant General, led the reading of the State Allegiance Oath.
In his New Year address, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo expressed gratitude to HE the President, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifice of war heroes, Emphasised the importance of discipline, integrity, and modernisation in the Army, and wished for continued national progress. The Army Chief also emphasised the need to fully support the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, which is a national plan for a total positive change in social attitudes, discipline and productivity. The Commander also extended his best wishes for a prosperous and peaceful New Year to all Army personnel, civil employees, and their families.
The formalities concluded with an All-Ranks tea, providing an opportunity for the Commander to interact with the troops. Prior to commencing duties, the Commander, along with Mrs. Swendrini Rodrigo, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, took part in religious observances led by Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple.
Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the event.
